Newent 20-9 Cinderford United

April 16, 2017

Holders Newent overcame a determined challenge from Cinderford United to reach the final of Forest of Dean Combination Senior Cup.

The United had the better of the early exchanges, but Dan Pointon was off target with a penalty attempt before Newent opened the scoring with a kick at goal from Tom Webb. Cinderford suffered a real blow soon afterwards as they were reduced to 14 men when No8 Matt Lane was red carded for foul play. The visitors defended bravely as the first-half progressed, but eventually a series of pick and goes from the home forwards led to a try for prop Mason Emery, which was well converted by Webb.

The second half began with Pointon’s penalty hitting the upright and coming out, but he was on target shortly afterwards to reduce the deficit to 10-6. Newent were in the ascendancy however and they went through numerous phases before full-back Brett Gardner showed good strength to shrug off several attempted tackles to score an unconverted try. Pointon reduced the deficit again for the United with his third penalty, as the game went into its closing stages but Newent finished the stronger side and No8 Ross Webb forced his way over in injury time to secure a deserved victory.